Creating Microclimates for High Desert Gardening

Gardening in the High Desert presents challenges not faced by those who live in moister climates that are closer to sea level. These areas combine a dry climate with the effects of high altitude on plants and animals. In any given high desert area you can have wildly varying climates within a 30 mile radius. Mountains deflect winds and affect weather systems. Solar radiation scalds leaves in higher terrain. A microclimate is an area of weather conditions differing from the prevailing conditions due to terrain, water features, plant life, or manmade structures. Once you realize how these things can modify weather in your yard you can use them to your best advantage. This book goes into detail on global climatic norms and how a high desert envrionment differs from standard. It discusses how to observe the climates and microclimates of your living environment and offers advice on creating conditions more beneficial to whatever kind of plant life you would like to foster in your vegetable or flower gardens. Author Momma Rose Kern is a New Mexico Master Gardener, beekeeper and a Solar Chef. She currently lives in a passive solar adobe home in the Rio Grande Valley south of Albuquerque. Her 34 career in aviation focused on weather system interpretation for pilot briefings. By applying the basics of meteorology to surface environments, she has been able to help suburban homesteaders create beautiful and bountiful garden spaces.Rose lectures on Microclimatology for gardening groups across the southwest. She also gives demonstrations of solar cooking, canning, and solar food dehydration. Check out her website for books and information related to solar and sustainable living. www.solarranch.com Chapters 1.Earth’s Climates 2.U.S. Climates 3.High Desert Variations 4.Seasonal Planting Strategies 5.Finding Microclimates 6.Problem Solving 7.Heating/Cooling the Soil 8.Four Homestead Examples 9.Creating Microclimates Economically 10.Cold Frames and Grow Boxes 11.Apartment Living 12.In Home Options: Sunrooms and Window Gardens 13.Greenhouses – the Ultimate Microclimate 14.Weather Websites